Which is The Best Platform for New Writers To Make Money?

Starting as a writer today feels both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, there are more opportunities than ever to share your words with the world.

On the other hand, the number of platforms, apps, and websites promising writers a chance to earn money can feel like an endless maze.

If you’re just beginning your writing journey, you’re probably wondering: where should I publish my work if I want to make money?

I’ve been there myself—trying to figure out which sites are worth my time, which ones pay fairly, and which ones help build a long-term career instead of just offering a few quick bucks.

What I’ve learned is that not every platform works the same way, and the “best” one depends on your goals.

Still, some platforms stand out as being especially good for beginners who want to start earning right away.

Let’s break it down in a simple, no-fluff way.

The Platforms Worth Considering

1. Medium

Medium has been around for years, and it’s still one of the easiest places for new writers to get started. With the Medium Partner Program, you earn money based on how long paying members spend reading your stories.

• Why it’s great: You don’t need to build your website, deal with hosting, or worry about formatting. You just write and publish. Medium also has a built-in audience, so if your article gets picked up by one of their big publications, you could see thousands of views overnight.

• Downside: Competition is tough, and payments vary a lot. Some writers make hundreds per article, while others earn only a few dollars.

Best for: Writers who enjoy blogging-style content, essays, and personal storytelling.

2. Substack

Substack is a newsletter platform that lets you build an email list and charge readers directly. You can publish free or paid posts, and Substack takes a 10% cut of your earnings.

• Why it’s great: You own your audience. Instead of relying on an algorithm, you collect email addresses and build a loyal community of readers who want to hear from you. That’s powerful.

• Downside: Growth is slower, and it takes time to attract paying subscribers. Substack is a long-term game, not a quick cash grab.

Best for: Writers who want independence and are willing to play the long game by cultivating their audience.

3. Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, ProBlogger Jobs)

Freelancing isn’t always glamorous, but it can provide a steady income while you’re building your projects. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect writers with clients who need blog posts, website copy, or marketing content.

• Why it’s great: You can start earning money quickly. There’s always demand for content writing, product descriptions, and articles.

• Downside: Rates can be very low when you’re just starting, and it can take time to build a reputation.

Best for: Writers who want to make consistent money right away and don’t mind writing for clients rather than themselves.

4. Content Platforms (Vocal Media, NewsBreak, HubPages)

Websites like Vocal Media and NewsBreak pay writers based on views or performance. They’re similar to Medium but with slightly different models.

• Vocal Media: Pays per read, with the option to earn bonuses for top-performing stories.

• NewsBreak: A platform for local and national news where writers earn based on page views.

• HubPages: Pays through ad revenue sharing.

• Why they’re great: Easy to join and publish on. You don’t need a following to start.

• Downside: Income depends heavily on traffic, and most writers won’t see big payouts unless an article goes viral.

Best for: Writers experimenting with different styles who want to dip their toes into multiple platforms.

5. Your Blog

It may sound intimidating, but starting your own blog is still one of the best long-term options for making money as a writer. You can monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or even selling your own products or courses.

• Why it’s great: Full control and unlimited potential. A single blog post that ranks on Google can earn money for years.

• Downside: Growth takes time. You’ll need to learn a bit about SEO (search engine optimization), marketing, and tech.

Best for: Writers who want to build a lasting business around their writing.

How to Choose the Best Platform for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a simple way to decide:

• If you want immediate feedback and a built-in audience → Try Medium.

• If you want control and loyal readers → Go with Substack.

• If you need quick income and steady work → Look into freelance platforms.

• If you want to experiment with multiple outlets → Post on Vocal Media or NewsBreak.

• If you’re in it for the long haul → Start your own blog.

Some writers combine a few of these.

For example, you could freelance for a steady income, while also publishing essays on Medium and building a Substack newsletter on the side.

That way, you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced writer to make money?

Not at all. Many platforms welcome beginners, and freelancing often values reliability more than “perfect” writing. You’ll improve as you go.

How much can I realistically earn in the first year?

It depends on your effort and platform choice. On Medium, new writers might make $50–$200 a month to start.

On freelance sites, you could earn a few hundred per month once you build a client base. Blogging and Substack usually take longer but have higher long-term potential.

Should I focus on one platform or try several?

If you’re brand new, start with one platform so you don’t spread yourself too thin. Once you’re comfortable, you can branch out.

Which niche pays the most?

In freelancing, niches like finance, tech, and marketing tend to pay higher. On platforms like Medium or Substack, personal development, storytelling, and lifestyle content often perform well.

Can I turn writing into a full-time career?

Yes, but it usually takes consistency and patience. Many full-time writers started small—earning a few dollars here and there—before turning it into something sustainable.

Final Thoughts

The best platform for new writers to make money depends on your goals, timeline, and personality.

If you want quick results, freelancing might be your best bet. If you’re dreaming of building your audience and long-term income, Substack or blogging is worth your time.

And if you just want to write and see where it goes, Medium and Vocal Media are great places to begin.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is simply to start writing and sharing your work. Every platform has its pros and cons, but none of them will work unless you put your words out there.

So here’s my question for you: which path feels most exciting to you right now—the quick money route, or the long-term growth route?